Let me start by saying that Belize is one of my favorite countries on the entire planet. That being said, I’m totally biased towards all of the amazing things that it has to offer. I have visited the country six times and still can’t get enough of it. Belize is perfect for all kinds of travelers, adventure seekers, history buffs, beachgoers, fishermen, you name it, there’s something for everybody there! Here’s a quick guide to Belize.
Caye Caulker
A Guide to Belize’s History
Belize was first discovered by the British when a shipwrecked off the coast in 1638. Over the next 150 years, the British continued to colonize the region. The country did not get its independence until 1981. Because of this, Belize is a super easy country for people who are new to foreign travel to visit. The locals all speak English, which makes finding your way around a lot easier!
The country of Belize is bordered by Mexicoto the north, Guatemala to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the south and east. Its landscape is made up of lush hillsides, vast jungles, and more than 450 islands that dot the 185 miles of vibrant blue coastline.
Tourist Village, Belize City
A Guide to Belize- For Cruisers
Belize City is a tender port. This means that the surrounding water is too shallow for the ship to dock at a pier. Instead, the ship drops anchor a few miles off the coast and you have to catch a tender, or water taxi, to go ashore. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. If you are cruising with Carnival, Diamond, and Platinum cruisers, along with those with Faster to the Fun Passes will have priority tenders. Trust me, it’s totally worth it!
There are several cruise ports that you can get away with not booking an excursion, this is not one of them! There is very little to do in the port area. Do not make the mistake of not booking an excursion. Not sure how to select the right excursion? Check out these tips!
The first few times I visited Belize, I headed westward to the town of San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border. San Ignacio is about a two hour bus ride from Belize City. It is a lovely drive and gives you a genuine look at what life is really like in Belize.
Xunantunich Ruins
What is there to do in Belize?
I did some pretty incredible things on my first few trips. We went cave tubing, explored the jungle, went zip lining and repelling, and visited the Maya Ruins of Xuanantunich and Cahal Pech. I fell more and more in love with Belize with each visit. But I have to admit, I was truly missing out by simply heading west with each visit. The coast is absolutely stunning. On my last trip, I headed north from Belize City to Caye Caulker where I got to swim with sharks and rays. It was an un-Belize-able experience, one that I truly recommend. The people of Belize are so wonderful! It’s the people of Belize that make it such a fantastic place to visit.
If you ever get the opportunity to visit this glorious country, do not hesitate. Go, go, go! You won’t regret it! I hope you enjoyed our quick guide to Belize, to dig a little deeper into Belize, check out our posts on this incredible country.
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Versailles is known for being one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. It is a harmonious mixture of architecture, history, art, and perfectly designed gardens.
Each year, more than 10 million people flock from all around the world to gaze at its grandeur. In fact, is the second-most visited monument in the Île-de-France just behind the Louvre, and amazingly ahead of the Eiffel Tower.
The History of Versailles
Future King Louis XIII grew up hunting in the forest and meadows of Versailles. He, and other royals, would hunt for deer, pheasants, boar, and other game. In 1623, the king decided to build a small hunting lodge so he could comfortably rest after a long day of hunting. For years, Versailles served as a retreat for the royals.
Over the years, there were several additions to the hunting chateau. In 1682, Louis XIV decided to leave Paris and his Palace at the Louvre behind and make Versailles his permanent residence.
The palace has been the venue for many historical events including the Peace of Paris (1783), the Proclamation of the German Empire, and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.
Today, Versailles is a historical monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is most known for its opulent decor, extravagant Hall of Mirrors, Royal Opera, ornate royal apartments, and lavish gardens.
Palace Highlights
Louis XIV’s Grand Apartments
Seven rooms make up Louis XIV’s Grand Apartments. Considering this guy was known as the Sun King, it’s probably no surprise that his chambers are full of glitz, glam, and, of course, gold.
The rooms include The Room of Abundance and the Hercules, Venus, Diana Mars, Mercury, and Apollo Rooms.
The DIana Salon once held a billiard table and seating so that spectators could watch the Sun King play. There were even two platforms next to the table for women to stand on and cheer him on.
The Room of Abundance led to the Cabinet of Curios where Louis XIV displayed his collection of precious jewels and rare objects.
The Salon of Mercury was where the king rested his head at night. The bed that is currently in the room is a replicat of the original commissioned by King Louis-Philippe when he turned the palace into a museum.
Hall of Mirrors
Of course, no visit to the palace would be complete without a glimpse at the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces). The Hall of Mirrors is the most famous room in the entire palace. It is just over 245 feet long and features 357 mirrors. It was built to replace a large terrace that once opened up onto the gardens. The terrace connected the King and Queens apartments which was exposed to the elements. Just think, this fancy schmancy hall was built just to keep the king’s wig dry on a rainy night!
The room pays tribute to the political, economic, and artistic success of France. The political successes are showcased via 30 painted compositions on the vaulted ceiling. The economic success is flaunted by the sheer number and size of the 357 mirrors n the hall. Mirrors were the ultimate status symbol back in the day. The artistic success is shown in more ways than just the ceiling. It is also highlighted by the gilded bronze statues.
The Gardens
Louis XIV was quite the outdoor enthusiast and considered the gardens of Versailles equally as important as the palace. This man literally moved mountains (well hills) to create the garden of his dreams. Hills were flattened, forests were relocated, entire marshes were drained, and thousands of men labored for 40 years to create the gardens we see today.
The gardens are well-known for their fountains which in retrospect is probably a good thing considering supplying water for these fountains was once a huge problem for the government. The palace sits 490 ft above sea level and the nearest body of water is the Seine River, 6 miles away. Engineers had to construct a series of paddle wheels, 259 pumps, and reservoirs just to make these things work.
Where is the Palace of Versailles Located?
Versaille is only about 9 miles outside of Paris, making it a perfect option for a day trip. The easiest way to get from Paris to Versailles is by train. Take the RER (Line C) train, which departs from Metro stations in the center of Paris and arrives at the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. The ride takes about an hour.
Another option is the SNCF Train from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to the Versailles Chantiers station. The ride takes about 20 minutes. From here, it’s about a 25 minute walk to the palace.
Address:
Place d’Armes 78000 Versailles France
Ticket Information
Versailles has a tendency of getting extremely crowded. Around 10 million people visit the site each year- over 27,000 a day! If you purchase your ticket in advance, it helps cut down on the wait time to get in.
Visiting Information
Palace Hours 9 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Gardens 8 am to 6 pm
While You're in the Area...
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Perched on the northwestern tip of Aruba is a gorgeous stone structure called the California Lighthouse. This majestic lighthouse offers the absolute best 360-degree views of the rugged island of Aruba and the stunning waters that surround it.
California Lighthouse
The History of California Lighthouse
The lighthouse was named after the S.S. California, a wooden British steamship. The ship was sailing from Liverpool to Central America carrying passengers, merchandise, furniture, and provisions. On a dark September evening in 1891, the ship wrecked.
According to local lore, the cargo that the ship was carrying was thrown overboard and later sold in Oranjestad.
Today, the wreckage is covered with coral, sponges, and is home to heaps of reef fish. It is one of the most popular diving sites in Aruba. The area is known for strong currents, hammerheads, and bull sharks and is recommended only for experienced divers.
The lighthouse was designed by a French dude and construction began in 1914. It took two years to complete the project. Since then, the lighthouse has remained active.
The lighthouse received a complete restoration in honor of its 100th anniversary.
California Lighthouse
What’s so cool about it?
Not only is this lighthouse absolutely stunning, but it also offers the best 360-degree view of the island. What’s even cooler is visitors can climb all the way to the top of Aruba’s most iconic building!
The lighthouse is open every day from 9:00 AM until 7 PM. The admission is $5 for one of the best cardio workouts of your life! We strongly suggest visiting during sunset!
Aruba has a couple of other lighthouses, if lighthouses are your jam.
Fort Zoutman Lighthouse
Seroe Colorado “Lighthouse”
In modern times, the lighthouse keeper’s house has been expanded and rebuilt into a top-notch, highly recommended Italian restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco.
Where is California Lighthouse located?
The lighthouse is located in an area known as “Hudishibana” on the northwestern tip of the island.
Our Review
Firstly, we visited the California Lighthouse as part of a tour that showed us all around the island. Since this is one of the most famous buildings on the island, it was added to our itinerary along with the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Ostrich Farm, the Ayo Rock Formations, and a handful of other sites.
Honestly, while the building is beautiful (and photographs well), if you aren’t planning on climbing to the top then it really isn’t worth the trip. The area around the lighthouse is rather rugged and may be difficult to get around for some. I definitely suggest wearing comfortable shoes!
If you’re cramped for time and trying to figure out how to get the most bang for your buck, you could easily skip the lighthouse and not have any regrets. If you are staying at the resorts and hotels near Eagle Beach, the lighthouse is only a 10-minute drive so it may be worth a visit.
Aruba is located just over 850 miles north of the equator which means the sun here is super intense. Even as a Florida girl I managed to get a horrible sunburn while in Aruba. It is extremely important that no matter how tough you think you are, you better lather up with some sunscreen.
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The Louvre is hands down one of my favorite places to visit in Paris. It is the largest art museum in the world. In fact, it would take you about 200 days to see each of the 35,000 works of art on display- if you only spent 30 seconds to see each piece!
In 2019 (prior to COVID), the museum saw 9.6 million visitors, making it the most visited museum in the world!
History of The Louvre
The Three Graces- The Louvre
The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, which was constructed in the late 12th to 13th century. The structure began as a small fortress and later converted to the primary residence for the French Kings. Each king added onto the castle making it bigger and bigger as time progressed.
Then, along came King Louis XIV who decided that the Louvre was too small. Therefore, he chose the Palace of Versailles as his residence.
In 1682, the building began transitioning into the museum it is today. It was primarily used to display the royal collection of art, including ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.
During the French Revolution, the National Assembly declared the the Louvre should be used as a museum to showcase the nation’s masterpieces. The museum opened in August 1793 with a collection of 537 paintings.
Where is the Louvre Located?
The Louvre is located in the heart of Paris. It is on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city’s 1st arrondissement.
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Metro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7) and Pyramides (line 14)
The Collection
The Louvre Through the Pyramid
The museum is the largest art museum in the world. It has approximately 380,000 objects ranging from pre-history to the 21st century. The collections are broken down into the following categories:
Egyptian Antiquities
Near Eastern Antiquities
Greek, Etruscan and Roman
Islamic Art
Sculptures
Decorative Arts
Paintings
Prints and Drawings
Egyptian Antiquities
This expansive collection includes over 50,000 pieces including artifacts dating as far back as 4,000 BC. It is among the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities.
The collection is guarded by the Large Sphinx (c. 2000 BC) and spans more than 20 rooms. The art, papyrus scrolls, mummies, tools, clothing, jewelry, weapons, and musical instruments are some of the most popular items in the museum.
Near Eastern Antiquities
Despite the age of some of the pieces in this collection, this is actually the second newest department in the museum. The collection features several pieces that were uncovered during archaeological expeditions during the mid-1800s.
Greek, Etruscan, and Roman
This is probably my favorite collection in the entire museum. It is also one of the oldest and most visited collections. It features pieces from the Mediterranean region dating from the Neolithic Period (10,000–4,500 BCE) to the 6th century.
The collection was originally focused around sculptures like Venus de Milo. Some other popular pieces include “City Gates” sarcophagus, and the Winged Victory.
Sleeping Hermaphroditus is one of our favorite pieces in this collection.
Islamic Art
This is the museum’s newest collection is being marketed as spanning “thirteen centuries and three continents”. The collection features textiles, ceramics, glassworks, metalware, wood, ivory, and more.
Sculptures
This department focuses on work created before 1850- but does not include Etruscan, Greek, or Roman art. All works that were created after 1850 have been moved to Musée d’Orsay.
The department is split into two different exhibition spaces. The French collection is housed in the Richelieu Wing, and all other works are showcased in the Denon wing.
Decorative Arts
These works are located on the first floor of the Richelieu wing. It features vases, bronzes, stained glass, and other decorative pieces.
Paintings
Of course, what would an art museum be without paintings? The Louvre is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world. Nearly two-thirds of the collection are French artists, and more than 1,200 of the paintings were done by Northern Europeans. It also includes masterpieces by Raphael, da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Our Favorite Pieces:
The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault
Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix
The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David
Portrait of an old man and his grandson by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Baltasar de Castiglione by Raphael
Of course, this is also the home to the world-famous “Mona Lisa”.
Prints and Drawings
The prints and drawings department encompasses works on paper. It includes drawings, sketches, prints, and books.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
Research the Louvre’s collection and decide what pieces you must see.
Remember, the collection is massive, you can’t possibly see it all in one visit. Focus on which pieces you are dying to see and plan your day from there.
Use the Right Entrance
There are multiple entry points to the museum. Some of them are much busier than others. To avoid the long lines, not only should you purchase your tickets in advance, but you should absolutely avoid the I.M. Pei Pyramid Entrance.
Instead, use the Carrousel du Louvre Entrance. There is typically just a very small line at this entrance and there are multiple ticket machines in the lobby- making buying a ticket a breeze.
This entrance is an underground entrance accessible from the Metro Line 1 to the Palais Royale-Musee du Louvre stop or from 99 Rue de Rivoli.
Learn the Layout
Even with a map (which you should absolutely pick up when you enter the museum), you may get lost. The museum is a U-Shape divided into three wings: Richelieu, Denon, and Sully. Each of these wings has 4 floors. The Louvre’s official website has an interactive map that is really helpful.
The Richelieu wing is most known for the collection of decorative arts including the apartments of Napoleon III.
The Denon Wing is where you’ll find the most-famous paintings, including Mona Lisa.
The Sully Wing houses their expansive statue collection, including the Venus de Milo.
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, hit up the Denon and Sully Wings.
Ticket & Visiting Hours
Tickets for The Louvre can be purchased directly from their website. Standard tickets are 17 Euros in advance or 15 Euros the day of. Buying tickets in advance saves you from having to wait in line to buy the tickets and a security line.
The museum is free for visitors 18 and under.
The Louvre is free on the first Saturday of the month from 6 PM until 9:45 PM- which means it gets crazy busy!
The Louvre is open every day but Tuesday from 9am-6pm. On Wednesday’s and Friday’s, things get wild and the museum stays open until 9:45pm.
Sure, Jacksonville is pretty great, but sometimes it’s just nice to get away. If you’re looking for the perfect day trip, look no further. We’ve got you covered! Trust us, there are lots of adventures that are less than a tank of gas away. Some of our favorite day trips from Jacksonville are to St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach, but there’s plenty more to do outside of these popular locations. From wild horsesto ancient natural springs, there’s something for everybody within 100 miles of Jacksonville!
Best Day Trips from Jacksonville
Amelia Island State Park- Did you know that Amelia Island State Park is the only Florida State park that allows horseback riding on the beach? This makes it a popular destination for bucket listers.
Alexander Springs Recreational Area– Located in the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs is great for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping.
Anastasia State Park- One of St. Augustine’s greatest natural attractions is the Anastasia State Park. The park has 4 miles of sugary white-sand beaches. This location is great for paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and boating. There is also a full campground.
Appleton Museum of Art– Located in Ocala, this museum features a permanent collection of 18,000 works including art and artifacts representing the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Pro-Columbia styles.
Big Shoals State Park- Located in White Springs, near the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center Park, is Big Shoals State Park. This park has the biggest whitewater rapids in the state making it popular for kayaking and canoeing. There are also 33 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park– This place is great year round! Located in Orange City, Blue Spring State Parkis home to hundred of manatee in the winter. During the summer months it is the perfect place to swim, float down the spring, paddleboard, kayak, or take a boat tour. This is one of our favorite day trips from Jacksonville!
Castillo de San Marcos– Located in St. Augustine, this well preserved fort is the centerpiece of the historic district. It is the oldest 17th century fort in North America and has the unique ability to absorb cannonballs! Castillo de San Marcos is a must-see for any history lover.
Cumberland Island- Head north from Jacksonville and cross on over the Florida/Georgia border for an opportunity to explore this magnificent island. The Cumberland Island National Seashore is home to a population of wild horses that inhabit this mostly undeveloped island.
Daytona Beach– Much like our Huguenot Beach, the hard packed sands of Daytona Beach allow you to drive your car on the beach. This popular tourist location features beaches, a ferris wheel, tons of restaurants, and a plethora of NASCAR themed sites.
de Leon Springs
De Leon Springs State Park– This park is an absolute must-see! The site has been home to a plantation, a glamorous hotel, and one of the state’s first eco-tourism sites before becoming a state park. There are hiking trails, boat tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and even a super trendy restaurant where you make your own pancakes. De Leon Springs State Park is a must!
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park- Located in Gainesville, this is the place to go if you enjoy the great outdoors. The park features a rainforest, trails, and a 120-foot deep sinkhole that draws visitors from all around.
Farm Tours of Ocala– Located in Ocala, get an insider’s tour of Ocala’s working farms and learn why Marion County is the “Horse Capital of the World”.
Fernandina Beach– Just north of Jacksonville is one of the oldest towns in Florida. The downtown area has been meticulously restored and features tons of shops and restaurants.
Flagler College
Flagler College-Located in St. Augustine, Flagler College was once a bustling hotel known as the Ponce de Leon Hotel. It was built by Henry Flagler in 1888. It is free to roam around the campus but we suggest booking a tour to appreciate the site (and my alma mater!).
Florida Museum of Natural History– Located in Gainesville on the University of Florida Campus is one of the largest natural history museums in the area. Your kids will love the Prehistoric animals on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History!
Fort Clinch
Fort Clinch State Park– Located in Fernandina Beach is one of our favorite State Parks, Fort Clinch. This place is great for sharks teeth, shelling, hiking, bicycling, and camping. Oh…and there’s a really cool Civil War era fort to explore complete with re-enactors.
Gainesville- Gainesville is more than just a college town, it is home to many great museums, restaurants, and buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gamble Rogers State Park- This stunning park was named after a famous folk singer that rescued a man from drowning at the nearby beach. The park has magnificent beaches and hiking trails. Bring plenty of water and bug spray!
Gilchrist Blue Springs
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park– Meet Florida’s newest state park! It is still in it’s early development stages however it’s already pretty amazing. There is a campground, RV park, and a shop to rent canoes and kayaks. The highlight of the park is, of course, the springs. The springs are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Be sure to hop on a water vessel and paddle out to the Sante Fe River for impressive sights.
Ginnie Springs- This is one of the most popular summer hotspots! It is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. This is also a prime location for divers since there is an extensive cavern system to explore. The waters here are crystal clear! There’s also a campground with private cottages.
Ichetucknee- Located near Lake City is one of the best place to beat the Florida heat. This is the place to visit for some prime river tubing. Get there early, this place gets packed on the weekends!
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens- Located in Gainesville, these gardens are a must-see. There’s a large scenic lake, bamboo stands, waterfalls, and a play area for kids. Be sure to pack your bug spray.
Marineland- This spot was once Florida’s largest tourist attraction. It was originally built so that Hollywood filmmakers could catch underwater shots of marine animals. Today Marinelandteaches about conversation and preservation. There are also dolphin encounters available.
Mudslinger Tours- Believe it or not we found more shark teeth in a creek in Gainesville than we have EVER found on the beaches here in Jacksonville! Join Mudslinger Tours for a day of shark tooth and fossil hunting.
Olustee Battlefield State Park- This park commemorates the site of Florida’s largest Civil War Battle. The Battle of Olustee took place on February 20, 1864. More than 10,000 troops engaged in a five-hour battle here. The battle ended with 2,807 casualties.
Sharks teeth discovered with Mudslinger Tours in Gainesville
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park- Where else can you see horses, bison, and gators all in one place? Located just south of Gainesville this preserve is a nature lovers paradise. Be sure to check out the Paynes Prairie State Park’s La Chua Trail for your best chance at seeing wild life!
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse- Located south of Daytona, is the tallest lighthouse in the state and one of the tallest lighthouse in the USA. The lighthouse and the keepers home have been restored and are open to the public. Visitors can also climb to the top of the lighthouse for a magnificent view.
Princess Place Preserve– Located in Flagler county, the park has 5 miles of hiking and equestrian trails free to the public. There are also docks for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. The preserve once belonged to Henry Cutting. After his death, his widow Angela married an exiled Russian prince. The two lived together on the property.
Ravine Gardens State Park-Ravine Gardens State Parksis one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida. Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring. The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants. The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.
Rum Island Springs County Park– Right across from Gilchrist Blue Springs is a county park known as Rum Island. This park is the gateway to Rum Island Springs, one of the many springs on the Sante Fe River. This is a great place to launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The park is open year round.
Salt Springs Recreation Area- Salt Springs is one of the 4 spring parks within the Ocala National Forest. The tranquil blue waters are a great spot for swimming, floating on an inner tube, or snorkeling. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating is available from the dock adjacent to the park. The park is also known for camping and features two hiking trails.
Silver Springs State Park– This site in Ocala was once a private attraction. Today, Silver Springs is a state park where you can explore the springs on a glass-bottomed boat. This is a popular day trip from Jacksonville since there’s so much to do at this park!
Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Silver Springs State Park
St. Augustine Alligator Farm-Did you know that this is the oldest alligator attraction in Florida? Not only do they have gators and snakes, but they also have a sloth encounter and a super rad zip-line! Check out all of the awesome things they have to offer at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm!
St. Augustine Lighthouse- Are you looking for the best views of the Ancient City? Climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse!
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum- This place is cool for kids and adults alike. They have interactive maps and exhibits including a 4D mini-show depicting Blackbeard’s last battle. The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum also has props from pirate themed movies. It’s located right across the street from Castillo de San Marcos making it easy to pair the two together.
Fort Frederica, Saint Simons Island
St. Simons Island- We love St. Simons Island (SSI). The island is dotted with a ton of incredible places to explore. We recommend looking for Tree Spirits at Mallery Park (and other sites), visiting Fort Frederica, picnicking at the Wesley Memorial Monument, and spending some time at Christ Church. Make sure you also check out the stunning lighthouse!
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park- This park is a real gem, it’s one of our favorite in north Florida. They have several trails that are perfect for hiking or biking. The parks trails offer great views of the Suwannee River Valley. The park also has a stunning campground. The is also a hotspot for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Summer Waves- Summer Waves is hands-down the coolest water park in the region. They have tons of great water slides, a lazy river, a splash zone, and our favorite- the Frantic Atlantic wave pool.
Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area- Located in St. Augustine, this park has just under 3 miles of trails that are great for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park- Tucked in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River is a stunning park called Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The park preserves 425 acres of coastal scenery. Within the hammocks is an immaculate and extremely impressive 20-acre formal garden. Don’t forget a swimsuit and towel so you can hit the beach!
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You know, I have to admit; I didn’t think I’d enjoy the Seattle Great Wheel as much as I did. I’ve never been one for heights, or rides involving heights, but I caved and rode my first Ferris wheel when I was in London. Ferris wheels, like the Seattle Great Wheel and the London Eye, are a great way to get a birds-eye-view of the city.
The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Miner’s Landing Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The overall height of the wheel is 175 feet making it the tallest on the West Coast of the United States.
The look at the Wheel from the pier
What Can I Expect from the Ride?
The Seattle Great Wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Each carries eight passengers (with the exception of the luxury VIP gondola). This means that you could potentially share your gondola with another group. We visited on a busy day and they did not pair us up with anyone else.
The 12-minute three rotation ride soars over scenic Elliott Bay. The ride offers remarkable views of the bay, especially on a clear day. You’ll also have an aerial view of the pier, the Seattle Space Needle, and downtown Seattle.
Wheel Light Shows
Did you know the wheel is covered in half a million LED lights? Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening until 10 PM there is a colorful light show on the wheel. On game nights and holidays, there are special themed light shows.
View from Seattle Great Wheel
Cost of the Seattle Great Wheel
Tickets are $14 for adults (age 12 & up); $12 for seniors (65+); $9 for kids (ages 3-9); and anyone age 2 or younger rides for free.
So you’re heading to Grand Turk, eh? That’s awesome! We’d love to help you with your Grand Turk packing list. Grand Turk is an absolutely stunning little island. It is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory country located in the tropical Atlantic. The island is home to some of the most picture-perfect beaches in the Caribbean.
Grand Turk- Paradise FOUND!
Let’s Talk About the Weather
Unlike countries like the United States, Canada, and the UK- there’s not much distinction between the seasons in the Turks and Caicos. The temperature in Turks and Caicos ranges from 75° F to 95° (24° C to 35° C), with an average of 75° F (27° C).
May to October are considered the “hot” months, whereas November to April are the “cool” months. Granted, there’s only about a 10° F difference.
Unlike most of the Caribbean, there isn’t really a rainy season. The precipitation level in the Turks and Caicos is among the lowest in the region. April to July tends to be the wettest months. There is an annual rainfall of 21 inches on Grand Turk.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. However, the island chain averages about 350 days of sunshine throughout the year.
The Shipwreck at Governor’s Beach, Grand Turk
The Nitty Gritty
Since Grand Turk is a tourist destination, there are plenty of places to shop and pick up essentials that you may have left at home. Keep in mind you may not be able to find the same brands in Grand Turk and you should plan on spending a bit more.
To make sure nothing important gets left behind, I’ll be breaking down the ultimate Grand Turk packing list. I hope this packing list and these travel tips will help you have a great time on your vacation!
Grand Turk Packing List Essentials
When you’re getting ready for Grand Turk, there are some things that you absolutely must have with you. All of these items should be in your suitcase, purse, and/or carry-on.
Passport
You absolutely must have your passport to travel to Turks & Caicos. Most tourists will not require a visa to visit.
Driver’s License
If you are a terrestrial traveler (aka not arriving by cruise ship), then it is strongly recommended that you rent a car during your stay. You’ll need a US or International Driver’s License to rent a car.
The island is very small, and it’s hard to get lost. The locals will tell you, “If you don’t know where you’re heading to, just keep driving, and eventually you’ll end up there.”
If you plan on renting a vehicle, the easiest picking up and dropping off points are at theGrand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport or at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.
Portable and Plug-in Chargers
Obviously, you’re going to be taking a ton of pictures on your trip. You most definitely are going to want to pack a portable power bank for your phone. While you’re thinking about chargers you better grab all of the chargers for your electronics: phone charger, laptop charger, tablet charger, smartwatch charger, and maybe even an electric toothbrush charger!
The Turks & Caicos Islands uses 120 volts, 60 Hz electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat types so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. If you’re coming from a country outside of North America, or parts of South America and the Caribbean, you’ll need to bring an adaptor.
Camera & SD Card
Sure, you could just bring your phone along for photos but you’ll probably want to bring a legit camera along as well. I suggest a Nikon D5600 for high-quality photos. While you’re grabbing your camera, don’t forget our SD card! I travel with a 64 GB memory SD card. If you’re feeling wild, you can go for a 128 GB SD memory card.
If you’re planning on spending time at the beach or pool, you’ll probably want to have an underwater camera, as well. Those of you who will be using a phone as a camera, make sure you get a waterproof phone case. I take one of these with me on all of my trips to Central America and the Caribbean.
Cash $$$
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand. I would be careful about carrying around large amounts of money. I would suggest only having $100 (broken into small bills) on your person. The US Dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos.
Credit Cards
Good news, you can use your debit card in Grand Turk! You can also use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs. Larger hotels, restaurants, and shops will typically be able to accept Visa and MasterCard. I use a travel wallet to keep my passport, cards, and money safe in one place.
Remember, Grand Turk doesn’t get a ton of rain (only averaging 21inches annually). However, if you are visiting during the rainy season of April through January you’ll want to pack an umbrella. The good news is the storms tend to be very brief, so don’t cancel your plans just because there’s a little rain in the forecast. I pack an EEZ-Y Windproof Travel Umbrella.
Sun Care
The sun can be very intense in the tropical Atlantic. It is common for day s to have a UV Index of 12- meaning that a sunburn is likely in just 15 minutes of unprotect exposure. Even on cloudy days, the UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and cause a sunburn.
Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting sunburned on a vacation. Plan on using a strong sunscreen to protect your skin. If you are hitting the reef, you’ll want to pack coral reef-safe sunscreen. While you’re at it toss some Chapstick with SPF into your bag. You may also want to consider a hat and a sun shirt, as well. I always pack a bit of aloe with me on vacation- just in case. Better safe than sorry, right?
Medications
You should always pack your necessary prescription medications in your carry-on bag. Make sure they are in their original containers.
What to Wear on the Plane to Grand Turk
Although you’ll be traveling to a tropical destination, you may want to dress a little more warmly on your flight. Since airplanes are typically cool, you’ll want to dress in layers. Consider wearing a tank top with a light sweater, a light hoodie, or a long sleeve shirt. I also usually don’t wear shorts on a plane because my legs tend to get cold.
Make sure you wear shoes that are easy to slide on and off and consider leaving your belt in your suitcase. If you plan on packing a large floppy sun hat, you may want to bring it on the plane so that it doesn’t get squished in your suitcase.
FUN FACT:
These adorable little cocktail sets are perfect for a drink on the go. Believe it or not, they are TSA compliant! They are great for travel days but also would be great for an impromptu picnic!
What to Wear During the Day
Keep in mind that the average temperature in Grand Turk is 75 degrees. Since the islands are in the tropical Atlantic, the UV Rays are a bit more intense and it is easy to get a sunburn. Consider packing clothing that will be comfortable and will provide your skin with protection in this climate.
You’ll also want to consider what activities you’ll be doing on your trip. If you’re spending most of your time at the beach you’ll want to focus on coverups, bathing suits, and sandals.
Misc. Electronics
Kindle
If you don’t want to lug a guide book around, you may want to invest in a Kindle. These are a great alternative to packing physical books. They take up way less space! The Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof making it a great option for travel.
AirPods
These headphones are MADE for travel. They are compact, lightweight, and recharge themselves when they are in the case. AirPods are great to have on the plane, train, or when relaxing by the pool or on the beach!
Other Items for Your Grand Turk Packing List
It is always smart to carry a scanned copy of the information page of your passport. That way, if you misplace them it’s easier for you to get a replacement. Make sure you pack it in a different place than you keep your physical passport. You can also take a photo of it and store it on your phone.
Packing Cubes
Guys! Packing cubes are LIFE! They are the perfect way to keep your suitcase neat and organized. They have been a total game-changer for me!
First Aid Kit
Raise your hand if you’re a klutz like me! Anybody? If you’re anything like me then you totally need to pack a first aid kit. I take one with me when I travel.
Guide Books
If you are a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, you may want to pack along a guide book. I’m a Lonely Planet fan.
Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure
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As I look back on our 2021 recap, I’m amazed at how much we managed to see and do in the midst of a global pandemic! In all honesty, I thought the year was going to be a wash as far as travel goes. Boy, was I wrong! The kids are now 3, 3, and 7, and we have been having so much fun exploring with them! We are spent a lot of time time at parks, forts, and other outdoor attractions.
This year, we started making more YouTubevideos because our kids are infatuated with watching themselves run around forts and parks. It’s been so fun watching those videos over and over again and reliving our adventures.
We kicked off the New Year by hitting the beach on January 1st. Florida living definitely has its perks! The boys ended up getting sick mid-January so we didn’t get to do much. Smiley and I had to reschedule our kayaking trip to Blue Spring State Park.
Towards the end of the month they started to feel a bit better, so we took a daytrip down to historic St. Augustine. We visited our favorite donut shop, The Donut Experiment, where they custom make your orders right in front of you. Afterwards, we spent some time at the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum. The kids had a blast playing with the interactive exhibits. There were several touch screen maps and computers, replicats of cannons and even a scavenger hunt for us to participate in! The museum is more geared towards older kids, but we still had a lot of fun during our visit.
We were hoping to visit Castillo de San Marcos while we were there but it was a bit too crowded for our liking so we skipped it and strolled down historic St. George Street, instead. We visited the Old City Gates and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the USA. The kids also got to see where I went to college (Flagler College).
With the kids finally healthy, we were able to get out and start exploring again. We spent some time at the Jacksonville Zoo for the first time in months. We did a bit of hiking at one of our favorite local green spaces, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. It was so nice to get out of the house! The kids loved interacting with the animals and riding the train around the complex.
The kids and LB at the Jacksonville Arboretum.
Afterwards, we went to Fort Caroline, which is a place I have been visiting since I was Smiley’s age. Fort Caroline is a replica of a Huguenot settlement that was established in Jacksonville in 1564. The kids had so much fun running around the fort and playing with the cannons.
February is Black History Month so we wanted to make sure we took the time to have conversations about slavery, segregation, and equality. Smiley and I took a trip to Kingsley Plantation which is the oldest standing plantation in the state of Florida. Not only is the main house still standing, but there are also the remnants of 25 slave quarters that remain.
Enjoying a picnic on American Beach
We had a family picnic at the historic American Beach. During the time of segregation, people of color were not allowed to swim at most beaches in Jacksonville. As a result, several black-only areas were created. American Beach was the largest and most popular of these designated beaches. It was established by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, Florida’s first black millionaire.
We scoped out the latest downtown mural on Jacksonville’s Northbank. An entire bridge, leading up to the Locks of Love (a bridge with locks attached to the fence), has been covered in a vibrantly colored geometric pattern. On one side of the bridge is Corkscrew Park, an outdoor workout area. We tried out the weights, medicine balls, and other workout equipment. The kids had so much fun!
Locks of Love Bridge-
Northbank Riverwalk
We rounded out the month with a trip to our local hangout, Huguenot Beach. The water was much too cold (and it was jellyfish season), but the kids got in ankle deep to reload their water guns and full up their sand buckets.
On March 1st we found out Smiley had to quarantine after being exposed to COVID. She tested negative but we kept her out of school as a precaution. Lucky for us, our favorite beach is dead during the week (when school is in session). On the first day of quarantine, had a whole mile-long stretch of beach to ourselves. We took the paddleboard out for a spin and combed the beach for sharks teeth.
March is peak season for azaleas (a gorgeous flowering southern plant) so we made the trek to hike the Azalea Trail atRavine Gardens State Park. The park was covered with azaleas that were in full-bloom! It was absolutely beautiful! The park has two suspension bridges, a spring that runs through it, and several miles of trails.
Smiley checking out the Azalea Trail
The Azalea's in full bloom at Ravine Gardens State Park
Spring Break 2021
The next week kicked of Smiley’s Spring Break. Since I teach, it meant that we both had a whole week off. I had a special activity/day trip planned for each day of the week to keep us busy! On Monday, we headed to Cumberland Island National Seashore with a friend of the family. We hiked more than 7 miles on this historic island! During our visit we saw several horses, explored the Dungeness Ruins, walked the beach, and even visited the gravesite of one of our ancestors, “Lighthorse” Harry Lee, the father of Robert E. Lee. Smiley hung in there and was a total trooper for the whole hike. I was so impressed!
The next day, we took a day trip to a small town in central Florida where we picked the most gorgeous, plump strawberries. It was a much more relaxing day and was a great way to break up our week.
Smiley strawberry picking
De Leon Springs
On Wednesday, we headed back down to central Florida to check out some springs. We started off at De Leon Springshome of the famous Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant. The Old Sugar Mill Restaurant is known for their unique approach to breakfast. Their menu features all you can eat pancakes that you prepare yourself. After a delicious breakfast, we explore the beautiful park. Next, we hit up Alexander Springs. It was absolutely gorgeous! In fact, we loved it so much that we went home and booked an Airbnb nearby for a long weekend in April.
We ended our Spring Break by attending a candy making class at Sweet Pete’s, a local candy store. Pete himself showed us how to make lollipops! It was a pretty sweet way to close out our Spring Break.
Soon, it was back to school and work for us, but that doesn’t mean it was the end of our adventures! Later in the month, we squeezed in a few more trips to the beach. It turns out that Spring Break came at the perfect time! The following week a nor’easter blew into town and cooled things down tremendously. While it was cold and rainy here in Jacksonville, it was a little warmer and dry up in Georgia’s Golden Isles. We took a day trip to Saint Simons Island.
Fort Frederica, Saint Simons Island
While in SSI, we took a trip to Fort Frederica National Monument. The site is the remnants of an old British fort and town that was built by Oglethorpe to protect the colony from Spanish Florida. As you can see in the video below, the kids spent all morning literally running all around the town. Afterwards, we went across the street to the Wesley Memorial Gardens for a picnic. I was hoping to stop by Christ’s Church (but there was a wedding) and the Hamilton Slave Cabins (they were closed) but we didn’t get a chance to. Next time!
One of the coolest and quirkiest things on Saint Simons Island is the Tree Spirits. Tree Spirits are faces carved into trees. There are seven scattered throughout public spaces on the island. We headed to Mallery Park to search for two of the Tree Spirits and to hit up their playground before heading back to JAX.
Scoop & Stinky posing with a Tree Spirit.
MOSH (the Museum of Science and History) just so happens to be the perfect place to spend a rainy day. While the bad weather continued, we headed to the museum to check out the temporary exhibit Toytopia. Smiley had been to the museum before, but it was the boys (and Ashley’s!) first time so she was excited to be able to show them around. They all seemed to enjoy the hands-on exhibits.
We rounded out the month with more visits to Sheffield Park and Huguenot Beach. The kids were eager to hop on the paddleboard and spend some time on the water.
In April we became ambassadors for Visit Jacksonville, our local tourist board. We were so excited to be given the opportunity to show all of the incredible things that our city has to offer!
April is Adoption Month in our home! On 4.7.2020 we officially became a family of 5. To celebrate our one year anniversary of officially being a family, we took a road trip down to central Florida to visit Alexander Springs andDe Leon Springs (the same springs Smiley and I scoped out the month before). In fact, Smiley chose where she wanted to go. We rented an eclectic Airbnb and spent Easter Weekend at the springs.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park
We began our trip with a visit to an amazing construction themed playground called the North Lake Community Park. The boys were in heaven! The next morning, we first visited De Leon Springs where we had a pancake breakfast, explored the Visitor Center, and did a bit of hiking. We dipped our toes in the water, but the outside temperature was still in the 50s so it was a bit too cold for a swim. Next up, we went to nearby Alexander Springs. We inflated the paddle board and spent some time paddle around the spring. We spotted countless turtles and a couple of alligators. While the boys were all about riding the nose of the board, Smiley wanted to hop in the water. The springs have a constant temperature of 72 degrees and with the outdoor temp being 66 degrees, it was warmer in the water than it was on land. We had a great afternoon swimming at the spring. Let me tell you, visiting the springs in the spring is the way to go!
Just a few miles from our house is an animal rescue called Celestial Farms. The farm is home to sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, horses, cows, ducks, chickens, and other animals that have been rescued and cared for. The kids each brought along a bag of fruits, vegetables, and crackers to feed the animals. What a great way to spend the morning!
We recently learned about a park called Pirate’s Playground in Fernandina Beach so we took a trip to scope it out. The park was awesome! There were a ton of interactive elements. The boys were huge fans of the sandbox (complete with treasure!) and Smiley was obsessed with the musical instruments. The sensory park was perfect for our little ones. We will be back!
Next door to the playground was Egan’s Creek Greenway. The Greenway features 5.6 miles of trails that wind through some of northeast Florida’s finest marshland. There was tons of wildlife and (as always!) the kids loved being able to run around freely. Both of these locations were a great find!
Flex on me! Scoop hiking on the Greenway in Fernandina, FL
May is the beginning of our warmer days- aka 85 degrees+. The first weekend of May we headed westward to Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park– one of Florida’s newest State Parks. We got to the park by 9:30 and it was pretty dead. By the time we left at 12:30, it was closed because they were at capacity.
We spent the morning swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. We even rented a canoe ($27/2 hours). The kids seemed to really enjoy the canoe ride…and WE DIDN’T TIP! We saw a ton of turtles basking in the sun and several fish- but no gators.
The springs were stunning. I have a feeling we’ll be back!
We spent all of the other May weekend at the beach hanging out with my brothers and their kids. The kids introduced my nieces (7, 4, 3) to paddleboarding and they absolutely loved it! We’re definitely a family of water babies!
Each June we head up to the mountains to visit family. In the past, we’ve just rented an AirBNB but this time, we decided to try something new; we rented a cabin at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC. The campground resort is within 30 minutes of the 4 different houses we visit when we are in the area making it the absolute perfect place to stay.
Let me just say, this place exceeded all of our expectations. There were so many amenities at the park! There was a water park, pool, a lake with water rentals, pillow pads, a dog park for LB and Parker, an awesome playground, and lots of planned activities. We had so much fun that we’ve already booked a cabin for next summer!
The beginning of July was a very wet month for us. With Hurricane Elsa and daily storms, we spent a lot of time indoors. We hung out at our local library, Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop (the largest candy store in the southeast), took painting classes, and went to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
One weekend, we headed down south to St. Augustine to visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. It was hot…extremely hot but the zoological park was still enjoyable. They have a large collection of alligators, crocodiles, snakes, birds, and other animals.
Later in the month, we headed to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens for their IllumiZoo event. [See our TikTok video] The kids had so much fun with all of the interactive exhibits. Smiley especially enjoyed the new ultra-modern art section that combines art and technology. The boys loved dancing in the multi-colored lights. It was a great night!
We closed out the month of July with not one but two roadtrips to Jekyll Island, Georgia. On our first roadtrip, Smiley and I paid a visit the the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. This facility serves as an education center and a hospital for sick or injured sea turtles. While we were there, we got to watch a veterinarian perform an operation of an injured sea turtle. We also spent some time visiting some of the sick creatures in the hospital. It was a very enlightening day.
A couple of days later, we hopped back in the car to head back to the island. This time, our destination was Summer Waves, a water park that I’ve been visiting since I was a child. Last month, we visited a waterpark in North Carolina and the boys were very apprehensive about the splash area. Miraculously, they weren’t at all scared of the splash area at Summer Waves! It’s amazing how much more brave they were this month! All three kids had an absolute blast playing in the fountains and sliding down the slides. My favorite part will always be the lazy river.
We closed out the summer with a BANG! August is one of our hottest months with the feel-like temperatures ranging from 105-115. We spent most of the month doing indoor activities at the house. We did manage to have a few outdoor adventures, though.
We kicked off August with a trip to our favorite swimming hole. LB (our black lab) was in HEAVEN. She loves it there!
Although Smiley and I headed back to school (she started the 2nd Grade!!), we didn’t let it slow us down. We continued our tradition of visiting the local library after Smiley’s swimming lessons each Saturday.
We booked a bioluminescent kayaking trip in Merritt Island for my birthday. The kids weren’t old enough to join the tour so they spent the night with their grandparents. The kayaking was awesome! We booked our trip for the darkest part of the month so the bioluminescence would be more visible. We also rented clear kayaks so we could see the glowing water bounce off the vessel. Our favorite part of the trip was coming across a massive school of whiting fish. Thousands of fish swam under our kayaks and leapt through the air. Several people had fish jump into their kayaks. It was so cool! We also got to see a bobcat fishing, which was really neat.
Later in the month, we went boating with our good friends. Scoop and Smiley had so much fun jumping off the boat and swimming. Stinky isn’t a huge fan of swimming in open water, but he loved the boating aspect of it.
September was a wet month here in Florida. Unfortunately, in our family with the rain comes sickness. One of the twins has really bad asthma and the rain causes it to flair up for several days. Because of this, we spent a lot of time playing indoors.
We did manage to take the kids grandparents to Celestial Farms, one of our favorite hangouts. We introduced them to our favorite goats, horses, rabbits, and BK the cow. One of the best things about the farm is that the piglets, chickens, goats, and some of the rabbits are free to roam around. The kids enjoyed being able to pick up and cuddle the animals.
October was another slow month for us. With upcoming trips booked for November, December, and January, we stuck close to home.
A replica of Christopher Columbus’s Santa Maria pulled into port just in time for Columbus Day. We made the trek from JAX to Fernandina to take a tour of the vessel. The ship, itself, was tiny. It is extremely hard to imagine over 500 people and several animals living on board the ship. It’s no wonder so many sailors got sick and died on the voyages across the Atlantic to the New World.
The Santa Maria is a traveling exhibition that pulls into various ports along the eastern seaboard. The self-guided tour cost was $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. There is also a family package available for $35.
While I’m not sure if I would say the cost was worth it, it was still a pretty cool way of teaching the kids about some of the first Europeans that came to America.
After touring the ship, we did some shopping in the historic district and enjoyed lunch at The Salty Pelican.
With the weather cooling down (high 70s, low 80s) we’ve been spending more time outdoors. We spent some time at Castaway Island Preserve, which has a remarkable trail featuring stunning views of the marshland.
This month was another first for our family! We visited the fair for the very first time! We spent an evening at the Callahan Fair riding tons of rides, eating fair food, and the kids even participated in a show! The kids were obsessed with the whole fair vibe. Smiley is a huge thrill seeker and wanted to go on all of the wild, fast, and spinny rides. Scoop and Stinky tend to be a bit more apprehensive, so it was great to see them stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new things. Hopefully this means that they’ll be just as willing to try out the rides at LegoLand next month!
We ended the month with the kids first ferry ride. After one of the boys soccer games, we took the ferry to cross the river rather than taking the highway. It was quite a hit!
In November the boys celebrated their 4th birthday. We gave the boys the choice of having a big party or going on “an adventure”. They selected an adventure so we tossed a few different ideas at them. They decided they wanted to go to Legoland- although Jellystone in Golden Valley, NC was a close second!
Our trip to Legoland was awesome! We booked a room at theLegoland Hotel. There are several different room options, but we went with the Kingdom Room which had a medieval theme. The room was super cute and the hotel was a ton of fun. Staying at the Legoland Hotel was definitely the icing on the cake.
All three kids were obsessed with Legoland. Stinky must have said, “This is the best day EVER!” at least 30 times. The kids were all super brave on the rides. The park wasn’t crowded at all so we got to ride several different rides while we were there. We also saw this super cool water stunt show. As we were walking out of the park, we were gifted with 5 more tickets for a return visit. We cannot wait to go back! Smiley has already decided that she wants to spend her birthday at Legoland, as well.
You won’t believe what we did next! We found out that there was an alpaca farm not too far from our house. They hosted a Small Business Saturday right after Thanksgiving, so we obviously had to check it out. The farm was super small, and not what we expected at all, but it was a really cool experience. The farm does private tours, so we’ll have to look into booking one of those after the New Year!
Oh. My. God. I cannot believe it is the end of the year! At the beginning of the month, we were invited by Visit Jax to check out the city’s latest holiday event: Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. This is one of our favorite local attractions, so we were really excited to check out their inaugural event. The arboretum was all decked out with holiday décor, Christmas lights, laser lights, and even a super fun interactive light-up path. We strolled 3/4 a mile of illuminated trails, signing and dancing to the music as we meandered through the woods. It was a lot of fun! It will be interesting to see what this event evolves into in the future!
Elephant spraying water at the Jacksonville Zoo
Later in the week, we went to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to visit the animals. With the weather being a bit cooler, the animals were a bit more active. The rhinos and elephants, in particular, were super friendly! We even got a chance to see Santa!
Sadly, shortly after that our world got SHOOK. While we were sleeping, someone broke into our home, stole our electronics, snagged our keys, and stole 3 of our vehicles. Afterwards, we tried as best we could to keep things as normal as possible, for the kids sake.
We went to see our local hockey team, visited the El Faro Memorial, and visited nearby Civil War Era earthworks known as Yellow Bluff Fort.
As part of the kids Christmas present, we gave them a trip to see snow for the very first time. The Margaritaville at Lanier Islands puts on a winter event called Snow Island that has ice skating, snow tubing, a snow ball pit, a light show, and carnival rides. On the 27th, we hit the highway to head to Snow Island. On the way, we stopped by the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. The park represents 17,000 years worth of human habitation.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park
It features the oldest Earth Lodge in the USA. We even got to go inside the mound to see where important ceremonies were held. Stopping at the mounds was a great way to break up our trip to Lake Lanier.
Getting ready to snow tube at Snow Island Margaritaville Lanier Island!
While at Lanier Island, we stayed at the Legacy Lodge which offered a free shuttle to the Snow Island attraction. We purchased the all-access pass so we could enjoy all of the attractions throughout the day! Before leaving, we asked the kids what they were most excited about. Smiley wanted to go snow tubing (check!), Stinky wanted to throw snowballs (check!), and Scoop wanted to go ice skating (check!). The park also had a lot of carnival rides- I swear we rode each one at least twice. We ended the day by checking out the walk-through light show.
The kids had so much fun at Snow Island. We’re talking about going back during the summer to see how Margaritaville measures up in the summer. We’ve been to Margaritaville’s throughout the Caribbean (we also have one in Jacksonville that we’ve never been to!), so it’ll be fun to compare it with the others.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our 2021 recap as much as we have enjoyed writing it! It’s been a fun way to look back and reflect on all of the fun we had, despite the state of the world.
So…now it’s on to 2022. What will the future hold? What are our goals, resolutions, dreams, and plans for 5 Suitcases? Check out our goals post to see what we have in store for 2022.
We look forward to sharing our adventures with you in 2022! Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagramand Twitterso you don’t miss out on the fun!
Kingsley Plantation is the oldest remaining plantation home in the state of Florida. It was once the home to Zephaniah Kingsley, a slaver who established plantations between South Carolina and Spanish Florida. The home is maintained by the National Park systemas part of the Timucuan Preserve. It is a great place for visitors to stop in and learn about our nation’s dark past.
The site features 25 of the remaining 32 slave quarters, the main house, a barn, and a dock. There is plenty of signage throughout the site that tells the story of the people that once lived and worked here. Access to the main home is limited in order to help preserve the home. However, the ruins of the slave quarters are available to tour.
A restored slave cabin at Kingsley Plantation
Who was Zephaniah Kingsley, Jr?
Zephaniah Kingsley, Jr was a quaker born in England. When he was a child, his family immigrated to South Carolina. He was a slave trader and merchant who built several plantations in Spanish Florida.
Kingsley established Kingsley Plantation where he resided for 25 years. Kingsley was known for being a “lenient slaveholder”. He “allowed” his slaves to be hired out for odd jobs and gave them the opportunity to purchase their freedom.
The slaves who worked on the plantation followed the task system. Each had a quota that they had to achieve each day- once they met their quota they were free to go about their day. Some of the slaves had personal gardens which they tended and sold their vegetables.
The plantation owner was also in favor of interracial marriage… and polygamy. Four of his enslaved women served as his concubines. He had nine children from these relationships.
Kingsley claimed to have married one of these women. 1806, on a trip to Cuba, he purchased Anna Madgigine Jai, a 13-year-old girl from what is now Senegal. In 1811, he petitioned the colonial Spanish government to grant Anna and their three children freedom. Once Anna gained her freedom, she was awarded five acres in Florida. She purchased slaves to help farm it.
The Kingsley’s owned several plantations included one on Drayton Island, Laurel Grove, Kingsley Plantation, and several locations on the opposite side of the St. Johns River including St. Johns Bluff, San Jose, and Beauclerc.
Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation main house and walkway to the kitchen.
In 1814, Kingsley and his wife, Anna, moved to a plantation on Fort George Island. The island is located in modern-day Jacksonville, Florida. The plantation featured a main house and a two-story structure called “Ma’am Anna House” where Anna and her four children lived.
Thirty-two cabins were constructed from tabby about 1/4 mile from the main house.
The plantation produced oranges, cotton, indigo, okra, and other vegetables.
Where is the Kingsley Plantation Located?
Kingsley Plantation is part of the Timucuan Preserve. The plantation home is located on Jacksonville’s northside just off of Heckscher Drive.
The Timucuan Preserve is managed by the National Park Service and includes Fort Caroline National Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Area, American Beach, and Cedar Point. One of our favorite local beaches, Blackrock, is also part of this preserve.
Visiting the Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday through Sunday.
It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. It is open on MLK Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.
Ravine Gardens State Parks is one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida. Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring. The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants. The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.
When this hidden gem opened on July 4, 1933, it consisted of 270,000 plants in a formal garden and planted along the slopes of ancient ravines. Today, the park is a combination of formal and natural gardens. It is one of the nine Florida parks featuring New Deal era structures. The fieldstone terrace, rock gardens, and entrance are all reflective of construction during this time period.
At the park’s entrance, there is a 64-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt who spearheaded the New Deal and served as President during the park’s opening.
Hiking at Ravine Gardens State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park is home to the famous Azalea Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile trail that winds throughout the park’s ravines. The trail features two suspension bridges and about a gazillion stone steps. The trail is considered to be strenuous because of its narrow and steep paths, roots, muddy bottoms, and stairs.
You do not have to complete the entire two-and-a-half-mile trail- there are lots of entry and exit points that take you down to the springs where the trail is easier to navigate and you can sneak back to the parking area.
If you’re looking for a less challenging hike, try out the Main Park Drive Loop. This paved path is 1.8-miles long and follows the rim of the ravine systems. You’ll still be able to enjoy all of the scenery of the ravines, just from a different point of view.
Visiting the Park with Children
This is a great space to visit with your family. The park has a playground and several spaces that are perfect for a picnic. Admittedly, the trails can be a little tough (many hikers that we passed had trekking poles). However, we also saw a family with 6 kids (all under the age of 12) that handled the trail like pros. I think it all boils down to experience.
Smiley (7) did great on the trails. It was an excellent work out for both of us. At the end she remarked that she “felt the burn” (meaning her muscles were burning from the exercise). I think the steps would have been hard to navigate for the twins (3).
If you do plan on visiting with kids, you may want to consider the Main Park Drive Loop. Probably one of the coolest thing about the park is the suspension bridges. One of these bridges is easily accessible at the very beginning of the trailhead. You could easily walk across the suspension bride and then head down the neighboring steps to walk along the creek bed.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
If you’ve ever been to Florida in the summer, you know how miserable our weather can be. The summer months are hot, humid, and often wet. The best time to visit Ravine Gardens State Park is during the cooler months. During the park’s blooming season (January through March), visitors will be surrounded by the park’s signature flower- the azalea. This is our favorite time to visit.
Visiting Information
Ravine Gardens State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.The park uses an honor box to collect fees- exact change is required.
$5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
$4 single-occupant vehicle
$2 pedestrians and bicylclists
Where is the Ravine Gardens State Park Located?
The park is located in Palatka, Florida. The park is just over an hour from Jacksonville and 45 minutes from St. Augustine.
